About Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan emerged as an independent sovereign state on 14th August 1947, after dividing from former British India. Pakistan’s borders touch the Hindukush Mountains in the north and extend to the Arabian Sea in the south.

Pakistan borders with Iran, Afghanistan, China and India. Pakistan’s location makes it a perfect ‘zipper’ between Central and South Asia, opening many prospects for further regional integration and development.

Pakistan is divided into four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The tribal belt adjoining Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa is managed by the Federal Government and is named FATA i.e., Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have their own respective political and administrative machinery, yet certain of their subjects are taken care of by the Federal Government. Provinces of Pakistan are further divided into Districts.

Pakistan’s population exceeds 207.77 million people, including 75.58 million living in urban and 132.19 million in rural areas. About 95% practice Islam, 5% — other religions, including Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism.

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, English is an official language. However, dozens of other languages are spoken in Pakistan as mother languages, including Punjabi (45%), Pashto (15%), Sindhi (12%), Saraiki (10%), Balochi (3.6%) and many others.

Climatically, Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety. North and north western high mountainous ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months of April to September are very pleasant. The country has an agricultural economy with a network of canals irrigating a major part of its cultivated land. Wheat, cotton, rice, millet and sugar cane are the major crops. Among fruits, there are mangos, oranges, bananas and apples grown in different parts of the country. The main natural resources are natural gas, coal, salt and iron.

The country has an expanding industry. Cotton, textiles, sugar, cement and chemicals play an important role in its economy.

The country comprises of a vast area that was the great center of ancient civilizations of the world. Its historical sites beginning with stone-age to Twentieth Century A.D are a mirror of the life of its people who were, by nature, simple, virile, hospitable and hard working. Ancient sites excavated in Taxila, Harappa, and Moenjodaro speak volumes for Pakistana’s rich cultural background dating back to 3,000 B.C. 

Basic Facts